Testosterone
Testosterone is the principle hormone in a group of hormones called androgens. Testosterone is notorious for its role in sexual function, in addition to helping build muscle mass, maintain bone density and regulate hair growth. It is derived from cholesterol (like all the sex hormones) and its immediate precursor is DHEA. Although it thought of as "the male hormone", testosterone also plays an important role in women.
In men, testosterone is produced by the testes, whereas in women, testosterone is primarily secreted by the ovaries.
Symptoms of low testosterone include:
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Low sex drive
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Inability to build and maintain muscle mass
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Weight gain
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Hair loss
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Breast enlargement (in men)
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Depression
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Fatigue
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Irritability
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Mood Swings
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Hot flashes and night sweats
What does Testosterone do?
On the flip-side, optimal levels of testosterone can help you:
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Improve bone density
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Build lean muscle mass
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Lose weight
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Jumpstart your sex drive
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Reduce hot flashes and night sweats
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Improve memory and cognitive function
If you think that your testosterone levels might be low, hormone testing is available to help determine where you stand.